Pac-Man Chomps

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Into the Xbox Live Arcade. Features, media included.

By Charles Onyett

Remember Pac-Man? If not, you should probably consider introducing your temple to a power drill. That cheery suggestion aside, Pac-Man is on its way to the Xbox Live Arcade, and we've got the details. Don't expect anything drastic; this is classic Pac-Man through and through. However, there are online Leaderboards and Achievements. So, in addition to its simple gameplay, you'll get to see the astronomical levels to which scores can rise, and consequently how badly you suck in comparison. The game gives you the ability to switch when you earn extra lives, as well as the number of starting lives. Switching options from the default setting will, however, prevent your high scores from being loaded into the leaderboards.

In HD, the game looks like Pac-Man. Around the play area are graphics of the hungry yellow fellow in six poses, but they're merely a static visual garnish. The Man's movements can be controlled with either the control pad or the left control stick. No buttons necessary, seeing how you're just munching dots, ghosts, and the occasional food item. Fans of the classic will be glad to hear all the original's sounds as well, including the unforgettable death effect. In terms of pricing, the game cost 400 Microsoft Points ($5 USD) on our debug unit's Partnernet, though this could change whenever the retail version is released. We felt during our playtime that the XBLA Pac-Man's controls were somewhat imprecise, however. The controller made some of the tight turning required for Pac-Man somewhat awkward, though over time it may become less of an issue.

The epic struggle continues.

You'll find a list of Achievements below, followed by some fancy video and screens. Enjoy.